It's usually the parents who are writing blogs about raising vegetarian/vegan kids, so it's nice once in a while to flip the tables and hear directly from the young people themselves. I had the pleasure of interviewing Owen Ford-- a kind, smart, courageous, passionate teenage-girl who is making a difference for animals. Her parents should be very proud! Here are some of her thoughts on what it's like to be a vegan teenager.

Owen

Interview with Owen Ford, a vegan teenage-girl:How old are you?I'm seventeen.

What age did you become vegan, and why?I’ve been a vegetarian since second grade, when I began to get grossed out by meat. At that time, my Mom was a pescatarian, and while my Dad ate meat, both were very supportive. Then, when I was thirteen (almost fourteen), I learned about veganism. I had heard of it before but never knew much about it. After watching a DVD about food (I think it was one of Dr. McDougall’s), I went vegan overnight. The diet and lifestyle just made total sense to me, an animal lover and nature enthusiast since birth.

How did your parents react when you told them? How did your friends react?My parents were super supportive. My friends had a lot of questions, and while they might not agree with it, they’re also supportive. I often make vegan desserts for them which helps a lot!

Are there other vegetarians and vegans in your school? I’ve actually been homeschooled since 7th grade, but when I was in public school, I was teased for not eating meat. However, all of the teens I’ve met since then have been kind and curious about my diet, and I know many vegans and vegetarians.

How veg-friendly is your community (do restaurants and grocery stores offer veg products)?The small town I live in is not even close to veg*n-friendly, but a nearby larger city is! They have restaurants with vegan options, and one even has a vegan and vegetarian buffet on Saturday nights. Many grocery stores have organic, gluten free, and veg*n sections, too.

Do you have any favorite vegan beauty products?Yes! I love Eco Lips’ Bee Free Vegan Lip Balm and Nature’s Gate products.What vegan issue is most important to you (i.e. fur, food, animal testing, etc.)?All of them! I really care about animal welfare and animal rights. I’ve been told I don’t support animal rights since I have pets, but I think that’s false. I just believe that every creature has a right to be treated decently no matter what species, breed, age, color, or gender it is. Plain and simple.

Have you ever visited a Farm Sanctuary, if so which one? I have not, but I would really like to!

Have you read any vegan books?I’ve read Vegan Freak: Being Vegan in a Non-Vegan World, Vegan with a Vengeance, and many other vegan cookbooks. I’d really love to read more, though!What do you think the future of the vegan movement is…? I think it’s just going to keep progressing until we’re no longer the minority! I feel like the more people hear about it and the more people learn about it, the sooner it’ll be acceptable and normal and encouraged!

Can you give a few examples of some of the food you eat? I eat a TON of fresh fruit! We make a lot of quinoa, bean, and vegetable salads, too. I love nachos, pizza, cookies, and pb&j sandwiches! I eat a pretty good balance of healthy vegan food and “junk” vegan food. My favorite dish right now is lasagna made of lasagna noodles, polenta, eggplant, portabellas, spinach, garlic, onions, tomato sauce, and Chreese sauce! We’re still perfecting the recipe for out tastes, but it’s delicious! We used this recipe here: http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/2007/02/polenta-lasagna-with-portabellas-and.html

If you were giving a presentation on veganism to other teens, what is something important that you would say, or want them to know?I would tell other teens that it’s not un-cool or lame to be a vegan, that it’s actually REALLY cool to stand up for what you believe in and to help others do the same!Do you have an animal-advocate/vegan icon, or someone you look up to? For inspiration Nathan Winograd for sure! I'm all for a No Kill Nation!

Do you currently, or have you ever done any animal activism (protests, letter writing, leafleting, etc)?Yes, I have! I leafleted once for Mercy For Animals and I've raised money for World Wildlife Fund and the Forever Home Feline Ranch. I also foster kittens and volunteer for multiple rescues.

What would you say to vegetarians who haven't yet made the switch to veganism? I would tell them that vegetarianism is an amazing choice, and veganism is even better! I would help them learn about the dairy and egg industries' cruel practices, the delicious vegan food, and the positive impact their choice would make.

What is the hardest part about being a vegan teen? It’s really hard to not be able to order whatever I want off of a menu, and it can be hard to be around people who don’t support or understand your diet.

What is the best thing about being a vegan? Everything! The food, the health, the compassion. I love being part of something positive!

What are your summer plans? I'm going to be staying with my best friend and her family for three months this summer along with going to Youth Empowered Action Camp!

Owen and her Mom...

Owen's companion animals... Bella Luna and Sarah

....and some of the kittens she's fostered.

_A BIG thank you to Owen for sharing her perspective with us. She is not only an inspiration to others her age, but also a huge inspiration to the adults out there who are raising compassionate, vegetarian/vegan kids. You are the future!